Democrats Back Lebeau For Senate

State Senate District 3

July 22, 1994

Tears, balloons and standing ovations were easy to find at Thursday's 3rd Senate District convention, where Democrats unanimously nominated Gary D. LeBeau of East Hartford.

The state representative's wife, Joanne, broke down at the end of her nominating speech at the town's fire headquarters on Ellington Road. Standing next to red, white and blue balloons, she cited her husband's work for youths, whether it was at Synergy, East Hartford's alternative high school, or by helping out with playscape construction.

Debbie Fine, vice chairwoman of South Windsor's Democratic town committee, spoke about LeBeau's work to encourage new jobs.Pam Lombardo, from Ellington's town committee, said he supported legislation allowing municipalities to end welfare benefits after nine months.

LeBeau, who was elected to East Hartford's town council in 1989 and to his current seat in the House of Representatives a year later, received a standing ovation as he stepped up to the lectern. He vowed to be tough on crime, help young people, support education and encourage businesses to move into the district's towns of South Windsor, East Windsor, Ellington and East Hartford.

He also asked for help with his campaign -- and money. He noted that his Republican opponent, Rep. Kevin Rennie of South Windsor, has raised more than $30,000. That's twice as much as LeBeau, who raised $14,620, according to his latest campaign finance report.